Tiger Woods Released After Eight-Hour Police Detention Following DUI Arrest
Golfing icon Tiger Woods has been released from police custody after spending eight hours in Martin County Jail following his arrest on driving under the influence charges. The arrest came after a two-vehicle rollover collision occurred near his Jupiter, Florida residence on Friday evening.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
The incident unfolded at approximately 2pm ET when Woods, driving a Range Rover northbound along a two-lane stretch, attempted to overtake a pickup truck towing a pressure cleaner trailer. The pickup truck had begun slowing to turn into a driveway. According to local Sheriff John Budensiek, Woods was traveling at speed, which prevented the pickup driver from completely exiting the carriageway.
In a split-second manoeuvre, the 15-time major winner struck the trailer, causing his vehicle to roll onto its side. Emergency services responded promptly to the collision scene.
Police Investigation and Charges
Upon arrival, DUI officers observed Woods displaying signs of impairment and lethargy. Sheriff Budensiek stated that investigators conducted several roadside tests, taking into account Woods' explanation of previous injuries and surgeries. Following these assessments, Woods was placed under arrest and transported to Martin County Jail.
Authorities charged Woods with DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Notably, Woods submitted to a breathalyzer test which registered triple zeros, indicating no alcohol in his system. However, he refused to provide a urine sample when requested.
Special Handling in Custody
Sheriff Budensiek explained that Woods was not housed among the general inmate population for safety reasons. "We're going to make sure he's safe. We're not going to put him in general population," Budensiek stated during a press briefing. "He's not going to be with other inmates that could hurt him or try to capitalize on what he did."
The sheriff emphasized that while Woods would face legal consequences, he would not face additional punishment through jail conditions. "He'll pay the price, but he's not going to pay the price by getting punished in jail," Budensiek added.
Legal Requirements and Release
Budensiek clarified that Florida state statute requires individuals arrested for DUI to be incarcerated for at least eight hours. "There is a Florida state statute that requires us to keep people incarcerated for at least eight hours post a DUI arrest," he explained. "So he's in our jail. He will be there for at least eight hours from 3 o'clock for at least eight hours, and then he'll be released on bond if he posts bond."
Woods was released after meeting the mandatory eight-hour detention period, having posted bail. His mugshot was made public as part of standard processing procedures for the misdemeanour charges.
Suspected Impairment Source
Authorities suspect that Woods' impaired state resulted from medication rather than alcohol consumption. "At the Martin County Jail, and even on scene, we really weren't suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case," Budensiek clarified. "And that proved to be true at the jail."
The investigation continues as Woods faces the legal proceedings associated with the charges against him.
